A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in one of the arteries of the lungs, and is usually caused by a traveling blood clot. The D-dimer blood test is currently used to diagnose PEs, but it is not always accurate for individuals who have recently undergone surgery or who have inflammatory-provoking diseases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Carboximeter, a new PE diagnostic device that measures carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) output, in individuals at risk for developing PEs.

Further study details as provided by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI):

Primary Outcome Measures:

Evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the BreathScreen PE as an adjunct to the use of the D-dimer in evaluating patients clinically suspected of having pulmonary embolism [ Time Frame: Measured at 45 days ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

One minute of breath collection by tidal breathing into the BreathScreen PE and blood draw for D-dimer level

Detailed Description:

PE is the second leading cause of sudden, unexpected death in the United States. In 90% of the cases, it is caused by deep vein thrombosis: a blood clot forms in a vein, travels through the bloodstream, and lodges in the lungs. PE symptoms vary, and can include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid breathing, or increased heart rate. Some medical procedures and diseases activate inflammation and blood coagulation, thereby making individuals more vulnerable to PE. Surgery, kidney dialysis, cancer, connective tissue diseases, infectious diseases, and being over 70 years old put individuals at increased risk for developing PEs. A common screening test for PE is the D-dimer blood test, which measures the level of a specific protein that is released following a PE. This test, however, has proven to be an unreliable diagnostic tool for individuals who are at high risk for PE. A more reliable diagnostic tool is needed. The Carboximeter is a new device that measures the ratio of CO2/O2 pressure in an individual's expired breath. By monitoring these components, researchers may be able to accurately diagnose PEs in high risk individuals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Carboximeter at diagnosing PE in individuals at risk for developing PEs.

This study will be conducted in two phases. In Phase I, CO2/O2 ratio and D-dimer levels will be measured prior to and following orthopedic or cancer-related surgery in 100 individuals at risk for developing PEs. In Phase II, the same measurements will be carried out on 350 high risk individuals who are experiencing PE symptoms. These individuals will also undergo computed tomography (CT) angiography and venography, in which blood flow will be visualized using x-rays. A follow-up evaluation will occur 30 days later. If any participant from Phase I or II experiences a PE or a medical condition that affects their lungs, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), researchers may schedule a follow-up evaluation to obtain repeat measurements.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Phase I Inclusion Criteria:

Experienced or is scheduled for at least one of the following:

Hip or knee replacement surgery

Hip or acetabular fracture surgery

Pelvic fracture

Decompression for spinal stenosis surgery

Scoliosis corrective surgery

Craniotomy surgery for brain tumor

Surgery for any of the following cancers: bladder, colon (including caecum and rectum), kidney, ovary, pancreas, or uterus

Phase I Exclusion Criteria:

Currently undergoing treatment for PE or has received treatment for PE in the 4 weeks prior to study entry

Clinical suspicion of PE with signs or symptom suggestive of PE within 24 hours of presentation and at least one risk factor for PE, as defined under the criteria as outlined in this protocol

CTA of pulmonary arteries ordered by clinical care providers

18 years or older or an emancipated 17 year old

Written informed consent

Phase II Exclusion Criteria:

Hemodynamic instability, including patients with a systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg

Severe respiratory distress or the inability to breathe room air without the sensation of severe dyspnea

Pulse oximetry reading that declines more than 10% when exogenous oxygen is discontinued with accompanying worsening or new dyspnea

Intubated

Cannot breathe through the mouth owing to anatomic, physical or mental limitation

No fixed address, no telephone number, are from out of town or have other reason to suspect difficulty with follow-up

Incarceration

Known active tuberculosis

Prior PE or DVT with history of medical noncompliance with oral anticoagulation therapy based upon a history of unplanned subtherapeutic INR measurements (less than 1.5)

Active PE within previous 6 months and currently under treatment with anticoagulation

Pregnant

Disallowed medications: treatment with any fibrinolytic agent within 48 hours prior to enrollment

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00368836